FORMER steelworkers from Ellesmere Port who lost most of their pensions say they still have an uphill battle to receive compensation.

FORMER steelworkers from Ellesmere Port who lost most of their pensions say they still have an uphill battle to receive compensation.

But local Labour MP Andrew Miller today said he was more confident now than ever before that workers from HH Robertson could be compensated.

About 150 people were made redundant from the steel cladding firm months after it was bought by British Steel for £7.5m in 1997 and production was switched to south Wales.

But it was discovered that the company's pension fund had a £5m deficit and has since paid out a tiny fraction of the amount those who paid into it should have received.

One former employee said he should receive about £200 a week, but got just £78 a month from his pension, despite working there for 30 years.

New legislation being considered by the government would create a safety net to stop employees losing out, but current proposals would still do nothing to help former Robertsons workers.

Cllr Brian Jones, mayor elect for Ellesmere Port and Neston, and a former employee at Robertsons for 28 years, said the more pressure that could be put on the government, the stronger their case will be.

He said: "Pensions are deferred income which they pay all their lives and expect to have it when they retire.

"We have fought this through the courts, written numerous letters and spoken with solicitors to get what is rightfully ours.

"I have even met with John Prescott in 1997, and I spoke at the Labour party conference that year where I received a standing ovation, but somehow successive governments have not listened. But now we hope Labour will act."

Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Andrew Miller said: "I am more optimistic than I was that we might find a way forward."